Bhubaneswar: In a significant operation to safeguard maritime security and uphold national sovereignty, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) apprehended two Bangladeshi fishing vessels operating illegally within Indian waters near the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).
According to an official press release, the operation was part of routine surveillance and was led by the Indian Coast Guard Ship Amogh, which detected suspicious activity within Indian maritime boundaries at approximately 7:00 AM on Monday.
Upon interception, the vessels were found engaged in unauthorized fishing, violating international maritime laws and bilateral agreements.
The vessels, identified as FV Laila-2 and FV Meghna-5, were registered in Bangladesh and had a combined crew of 78 members—41 aboard the former and 37 aboard the latter.
During the inspection, authorities discovered approximately 160 tonnes of fish catch onboard.
The vessels were subsequently booked under the Maritime Zones of India Act, 1981 and escorted to Paradip for further investigation.
The Indian Coast Guard is coordinating with relevant authorities, including the Ministry of External Affairs and fisheries departments, to ensure appropriate legal action.
This operation highlights the ICG’s vigilance and swift response to unauthorized incursions, reaffirming its commitment to maintaining the integrity of India’s maritime boundaries and the security of its waters.
The Indian Coast Guard continues to play a pivotal role in upholding national maritime security.
